Robben Island, a South African National Heritage Site as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an island 12 km from the V & A Waterfront. The name Robben Island is Dutch for “seal island.” Robben Island is estimated to be 3.5 km long north-south, and 2 km wide, with an area of 5.1 km². It is flat and only a few metres above sea level, as a result of an ancient erosion event. Former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned at Robben Island for 18 of his 27 years in prison.
